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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Resources for Equitable Systems
Adverse Childhood Experiences Trauma Training
Understanding Trauma and Building Resilience within an Organization or Community
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) provides a clear, research-based framework for recognizing how potentially traumatic events in childhood such as violence, abuse, neglect, or living in a household affected by mental health or substance use challenges can affect us throughout our lives. These experiences can create toxic stress, alter brain development, and increase the risk of chronic health conditions, mental illness, and substance misuse later in life.
But ACEs are preventable—and with the right knowledge, organizations and communities can transform outcomes. This training is designed for anyone who works with or supports individuals who may have experienced childhood trauma. It is also for organizations to strengthen support for thei staff and the people they serve.
About the Training
ACE training offers a common language and foundational understanding of how early adversity affects the brain and body, while also emphasizing hope, healing, and resilience. This session empowers community members with the science, tools, and strategies needed to support trauma-impacted individuals and promote environments where children and adults can thrive.
What You Will Learn
Participants will explore the core concepts that shape the ACEs science movement:
- Neuroscience & Trauma:
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- How trauma affects the brain, body, and stress response systems.
- Epigenetics: History & Trauma:
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- How trauma can influence gene expression across generations.
- Understanding ACEs:
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- What constitutes Adverse Childhood Experiences and how they impact long-term health and behavior.
- Resilience & Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs):
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- How strong relationships, safe environments, and supportive communities can buffer the effects of trauma.
Why This Matters
Research shows that without intervention, individuals with higher ACE scores face increased risks of chronic disease, mental health challenges, risky behaviors, and even early mortality.
This presentation equips participants with practical knowledge about:
- Supporting those affected by trauma
- Building resilience within families and communities
- Creating healing-centered environments
- Understanding the science behind prevention and recovery
Forward Together
By learning the science of ACEs and the power of positive experiences, we can work together to ensure healthier futures for children, families, organizations, and our community as a whole.
Once we understand ACEs—potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood—we consider how we can respond.
This interactive course will explore:
- Prevention strategies rooted in the HOPE framework
- Small-group work tailored to participants' professional roles and lived experiences
- Community-based approaches to creating safe, supportive environments
- Personal and professional action steps to reduce ACEs and promote resilience
Participants will leave with not only clearer insight but also with real-world tools they can apply in their organizations, families, and communities.
A Note on Sensitive Content
Please be advised: These sessions include education and discussion related to childhood trauma. Some content may be emotionally challenging or triggering. We encourage participants to care for their well-being during the session and reach out to facilitators if additional support is needed.
Interested in having your organization or business trained in ACEs or Hope?
Investing in this training equips your staff with the knowledge and tools needed to better support the children, families, and community members you serve. By understanding both Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the power of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), your team can:
- Recognize signs of trauma and respond with greater empathy, confidence, and care
- Create safer, more supportive environments that reduce re-traumatization
- Strengthen relationships within your organization and with the people you serve
- Implement resilience-building practices that promote healthier outcomes
- Collaborate more effectively across departments and with community partners
- Shift from crisis response to prevention, helping reduce the long-term impacts of trauma
Training your staff in this work fosters a trauma-informed culture—one that not only addresses adversity but also actively builds positive experiences that help individuals and families thrive. This is a meaningful investment in the well-being, stability, and resilience of your organization and entire community. If you would like additional information on bringing these programs to your workplace, please email; Zoe@nonprofnetwork.org
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